Satsang SAIBABA-The Protector

Satsang SAIBABA-The Protector

SAIBABA-The Protector
It was a Thursday dated 19th January 1984 when myself and a colleague Mr. T.
R. C. Menon got out of the Z. P. Guest House at Jalgaon-Jamod (Maharashtra)
and got into a readily available vacant taxi to reach Nandura Railway
Station. The driver required about half an hour's time to take off. So we
both walked across the road to a small tea-stall. Time was 6.30 A. M.

As the ordered bread and tea was awaited, my sight was attracted by a photo
of Sai Baba visible in the adjacent pan-shop. I pointed out the same to my
companion and told him that it was an auspicious Thursday morning to have
darshan of our blessing SAI.

Placing a loaf of bread, the stall keeper went back to his assistant to help
making a special tea for us. Mr. Menon refused bread and preferred only tea
when I was unwrapping the bread. Looking at the SaiNath's photo I sat quiet.
Then I closed my eyes for a minute, meditating on Him. As I opened the
eyes I saw a young Muslim Fakir aged around 28 years standing at the
entrance with a smile and looking straight into my eyes. A green cloth
fastened around his head, he wore a white loose kurta and lungi. One small
black bowl in his hand suggested that he came for begging alms. But it was
surprising to note that he did not ask anyone for alms or money. Just with
the same smile and a calm look into my face he merely stood.

Not a word was spoken by the fakir. The look from his bright eyes was full
of affection for me. His blissful smile responded in me an overflowing joy.
Like the waves on the sea jumping higher with happiness at the appearance of
a full Moon-my joy touched new bights at the sight of this fakir.
Inexplicable exchange of some unknown silent feelings between us was a great
experience in itself.

I nodded my head silently calling him. The fakir came closer, only a table
in the middle separated us. First two slices of bread offered by me with
devotion were accepted. He lost no time to wave his hand and very swiftly
walked out to disappear from my vision. That silent and affectionate smile
glowing from his bright face still remained in my mind and I was fully
convinced that that fakir is none but our Sai-Malik.
After a couple of days when I returned to Aurangabad from my tour, I was
shocked to see at home the walls, roof and window glass-panes of the kitchen
room badly damaged. My wife Usha thus narrated to me about the dangerous
accident which recently occurred.

On Thursday (19th January 1984) by morning 10 a. m. my wife filled up the
pressure-cooker with necessary contents to be cooked for lunch and placed it
on an electric stove (Cooking gas was exhausted) and went into the drawing
room where she sat reading some books. Though generally very cautious while
cooking, that day she happened to be somewhat negligent being fully
engrossed in reading until she looked at the watch showing 10.45 a. m. She
got up from the sofa remembering suddenly about the cooker on the stove and
wondered how it has failed to vigil for 45 minutes. Then, hardly she covered
a few steps and at once halted before the kitchen door when a big explosive
sound, almost deafening the ears, came as a shock. The pressure cooker had
burst and caused dangerous havoc in a most unexpected accident.

Narendranath Mungara
Aurangabad

(to be contd.....)
Source Shri Sai Leela June 1985.

Sri Sai Amrit Vani - 5th July 2007

DEVOTEES MAY FORWARD THIS LETTER TO THEIR FRIENDS/RELATIVES.
5th July 2007
Jai Sai Ram

On 2nd August, Mrs. Gupta wants to be with Baba, the full day so we are going to Shirdi on 31st July and and we will return New Delhi via Bhopal/Ujjain/ Indore on 11th Aug. As such we will be doing Sri Sai Amrit Vani at Shirdi on 2nd Aug and in Bhopal/Indore on 9th Aug. However thereafter from 16th August again Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be held at Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi. During 31th July to 10th Aug I may not be able to access internet and so there may not be any mail in the group.

Again this Thursday was the usual Thursday with the usual Leelas of Baba. There were about 80=90 devotees attended the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani , Prayan of Sai Satcharitra, Pooja and prayer.

With the efforts made by Mr V K Bassi, recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani has started at 80 new Locations.
He is giving free Cassettes and books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani for starting group recitation.

Following devotees participated in absencia in the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani, Pooja, prayers and Prayan of Sri Sai Satcharitra by reciting Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places on 5th July 2007. The list is sorted as per their email ids. However Mrs. Gupta prayed for all the devotees. In this list only those devotees are included, who themselves recited or read Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places. Kindly mention clearly, against each devotee’s name that he/she will recite or read or listen to Sri Sai Amrit Vani, or for prayers. Please also give the name of the place. Place is also important.

This Thursday the 5th July we enjoyed the following Leelas.

1. Udi started appearing and oozing from the two photos on the wall from Monday itself, Hindi words ‘RAM’ ‘SHAM’ and ‘OM’, and figure of Trishool were formed with Udi on one photo. On Wednesday Udi started oozing from the main photo in the mandir. ‘RAM’ ‘SHAM’ and ‘OM’ along with other figures were also formed on the photo. From Statue also, Udi started oozing from Wednesday.
2. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week also. Thali was emptied several times. The taste of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara mix. After distribution of Prasad, this water was also given to the devotees and again the Thali was filled with water. Devotees bring bottles to take the water home. This time water was much in quantity and it oozed with much speed that it overfload the thali and spoiled all the papers on the table. Mrs Gupta had to spend much time in cleaning and changing it.
3. Lap of Mrs. Gupta was filled with Udi during the prayers. Udi was there between the falls of the Sari.
4. Several devotees had Udi in the books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
5. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was duly accepted by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit Vani we noticed that the box, which was placed before HIM was partially eaten and partially remained pieces of items in the box. Part of Bhog was on the lips of many photos and statue of Baba. These parts of the remains in the box were given to the devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba. Partly eaten remains were having some figures on them.
6. Presence of Baba during the recitation of Sai Amrit Vani, Prayer and Prayan of Sri Satcharitra was very strong.
7. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table were blessed with Udi,
8. The Charnamrit, the water in which Baba took the bath in the morning was also sweet as if some honey has been mixed into it.
9. Photo of devotee kept in the mandir room, were blessed with lots of Udi as soon as they were placed before Baba.

Jai Sai Ram

Sri Sai Amrit Vani started at 11:04 AM. Noon Aartee started at 12:00 Hrs. followed by brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan of Chapter 45 from Sai Satcharitra. Mrs. Gupta offered prayers and thanks to Baba. Finally distribution of Prasad, Udi and the water from the Charans. Devotees narrated their experiences and the benefits they are have with Baba’s Blessings.

Next Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 12th July will again be held at Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi. Devotees interested in attending it in person may contact on phone nos. 26346942, 9810714688 or 9312494767 only after 11 AM (IST) on any day except Thursdays but no calls on Thursdays PLEASE. They should NOT bring any bhog with them and be in time. Kids are also not allowed in the hall. Mobiles have to be put on silent mode during the Pooja.

Sri Sai Amrit Vani is available in Tamil script also besides in Devnagri, English and Telugu, in the file section of the yahoogroup. Links of Audio MP3 files are given in the link section of the home page of ‘ mysaibaba20’ yahoogroup. To go to home page of yahoogroup key in or click http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/mysaibaba2 0 . Audio Mp3 file has also been made available in the publication section of http://saimemorial. com , the site of Sai Memorial Temple of Baba of Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

This activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be in addition to any other pooja or sewa or prayer that you are doing.

Jai Sai Ram.

Ashok Gupta
mysaibaba20@ yahoogroups. com
veena_gupta_ 2000@yahoo. com

Devotees Experience

Devotees experience

jai sai ram
I don't know how to start and to tell my lovely and amazing experiences in words.I was in a search of a Guru who can make me experience the presence of God and Sai Baba is my God.I am very lucky that i met Veena Maa who is an example of purity and selfless love,Maa has so much in her and she pours all on us.Maa how can i forget you ever, you are my Guru who made me realize God and now i am so close to Baba.
Now let me share how i came close to Baba and Veena Maa.I bought Amritvani book from
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir and i kept it inside my purse and after two days when i was
sitting in ISKON temple i read the whole thing and it inspired me to start Amritvani at my place but Baba was thinking something else and He took me to Veena Maa to make me see the way she does Amritvani.One of the Thursday me and my friend Pooja went there and believe me it was wonderful because first time i saw Vibhuti in my Amritvani book and i also did Vibhuti Darshan on the photographs of Baba and so much of holywater was coming out from Baba's charan,it was not less than heaven.After this i did Amritvani at my place and the next day there was Udi on Baba's photograph,i still wait for more Udi from Baba's photograph.This is only because of you Maa that i am able to feel existence of Baba because only a true Guru can take the disciple,step by step on the ladder of spiritual progress as said in Sai
Satcharita. Every Thursday before starting Amritvani Maa keeps something for Baba as
Bhog inside the Mandir which is eaten partially by Baba,i also gave petha as a part of Bhog and to my surprise very little was left by Baba.After completing Amritvani there is so much of vibhuti under the folds of Maa's sari where sometimes crystal of sugars are also there.So much is seen by these eyes honey,vibhuti, holywater and i am going to miss all this as i am a teacher and i have to do my sansarik duties also.

Siddhartha Extension is not a house its a mandir where people come and take with them the blessings and peace given by Sai Baba and a selfless love given by Maa and Uncle(Mr.Gupta) and This is a request to Maa and uncle that never forget me and always give me blessings and pray always for their daughter to Sai Baba who is above all.

Lene wale hath do ,Sai ke so dwar
ek dwar ko pooj le ho jayega paar.
Sai ki beti
Jyoti Bahl

Sai devotees have to worry about Astrology?

Sai devotees have to worry about Astrology?

Sri Saibaba said “Do Not Consult the Astrological Almanacs. Do Not Believe
in astrology”. The sastras and the saints say that the planetary positions
and horoscopes can have an effect on us only till we surrender to a
competent Sadguru, once we have surrendered to a competent Sadguru such as
Baba, the planets or horoscopes can do no harm to the devotee.
Let us go through some of the incidents in Sai history.
Baba himself, pointing this out, once said to a devotee, “Where in
your destiny was a child for you? I have split my body to present you with
a son.” Another time he said to a devotee, “What can the planets do to the
children of Dwarakamayi?”
Once a famous astrologer had come, to examine Baba’s physiognomy and palms
and thereby verify; Baba’s divinity. As he reached the Masjid and was about
to sit in a corner, Baba started shouting, “Woh hamara jhompdi ka bamboo
ginene ko aya. He has come to count the bamboos of my hut (the features of
His body); there is nothing for him to see here. Get him out of here.”
(Source: Sai Bhakti Sadhana Rahasyam Chapter - The belief in astrological
almanacs how they prevent our complete surrender to Baba)
There lived in Bandra (a suburb of Bombay) a Tendulkar family, all the
members of which were devoted to Baba. . The son, Babu Tendulkar was
studying hard day and night and wanted to appear for the medical
examination. He consulted some astrologers. Examining his horoscope they
told him that the stars were not favorable that year and that he should
appear for the examination next year, when he would be certainly successful.
This cast a gloom over him and made him restless. A few days afterwards his
mother went to Shirdi and saw Baba. Amongst other things she mentioned the
gloomy and morose condition of her son, who was to appear for the
examination in a few days. Hearing this Baba said to her, "Tell your son to
believe in Me, to throw aside horoscopes and predictions of astrologers and
palmists and go on with his studies. Let him appear for the examination with
a calm mind, he is sure to pass this year. Ask him to trust in Me and not to
get disappointed". The mother returned home and communicated Baba's message
to her son. Then he studied hard and in due course appeared for the
examination. In the written papers he did well, but being overwhelmed by
doubts he thought that he would not secure sufficient marks for passing. So
he did not care to appear for the oral examination. But the examiner was
after him. He sent word through a fellow- student, stating that he had
passed in the written examination and that he should appear for the oral.
The son being thus encouraged appeared for the oral examination and was
successful in both. Thus he got through the examination that year
successfully by Baba's grace, though the stars were against him. It is to be
noted here that doubts and difficulties surround us just to move us and
confirm our faith. We are tested as it were. If we only hold on steadily to
Baba with full faith and continue our endeavors, our efforts will be
ultimately crowned with success. (Source: Sri Sai Satcharitra Chapter – 29)
Please go through an article “The belief in astrological almanacs how they
prevent our complete surrender to Baba” from Sai Bhakti Sadhana Rahasyam for
more details
(Source www.saipatham.org)

Satsang The Glory of Shirdi Sai - Issue 14--2007 from Saidarbar.

Satsang The Glory of Shirdi Sai - Issue 14--2007 from Saidarbar.

THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI
Fifth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 14/2007
05-07-2007

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You can read this E- Magazine in 3d page turning NEW FORMAT in web page

E-Magazine

Satsang Devotion to Shri Sai Baba by Sanjay M. Padia

Satsang Devotion to Shri Sai Baba by Sanjay M. Padia

The first reason is most obvious. Belief in God for such type of youth is
confined to the word ʽbeliefʼ, only. That belief does not necessarily imply
that they must be devoted also, according to them.
The other group of friends tells me that though they spend a little time on
prayer, their mind remains perturbed, and there is no end to their
difficulties. This is the point that my topic in this article relates to:
To the young as well as the old, let me say that Shri Sainath is the easiest
Avatar to approach for your miseries. Baba is the only saint or Avatar who
required the least devotion and without formalities. Baba Himself is equal
to Rama, Krishna and Maruti and hence worshipping Baba is worshipping all of
them. In Sai Baba's charters and sayings by H. H. Narasimha Swamiji let us
refer to Chapter Nos 22, 24, 25 & 27. For reference and information they are
as under:
Ch 22) simply say "Sai, Sai" with heart overflowing. I care not for show and
respect of forms. I rest in such devotees.
Ch 24) I am formless and everywhere.
Ch 25) If one casts his burden on me and thinks of me I look after all his
concerns.
Ch 27) In the abode of my devotees there will be no dearth of food and
clothing.
These assurances are enough to indicate that Shri Sainath is always with His
devotees who remember Him. Even if we spend a little time only thinking of
Sai, that itself is sufficient. But we must have faith and patience as
preached by Baba to have His full blessings. And it is true that 9 out of 10
people have benefited from Him during His lifetime and even after so many
years of Mahasamadhi, His response towards His devotees is as prompt as what
it was during His life. Even today, the majority of the people find relief
when they earnestly pray to Him. For Sai Baba we need not chant so many
mantras or observe so many rites. The best recourse is to pray silently to
Him any time of the day. Many devotees believe that to please Lord Sainath
Maharaj various forms of pooja and chanting of hymns is required. In this
however they are wrong. It is no doubt very good to do a detailed pooja if
one is able to do it, but to those who cannot, it is not compulsory in Sai's
case.
To develop faith and patience together with increased devotion, devotees
must first read the Sai-Charitra (life-history of Sai Baba), read His
leelas, etc. By doing so, a devotee will have increased faith and devotion
to Baba thereby making him perfectly qualified for his entry into Baba's
Darbar. This very reading of the Sat-Charitra is a prayer itself. A devotee
may not follow the usual lengthy procedures for worshipping Baba but to take
recourse to an easier path one must first go through His life and leelas.
Without studying Baba's life and leelas it is not possible for any person to
develop faith.
Baba's innumerable material benefits conferred on His devotees are in sharp
contrast to Lord Ramana Maharashi and Lord Ramakrishna Paramhamsa both of
whom imparted spiritual instructions and benefits only. Whereas the three
Top personalities are equal in their Spiritual and Divine Powers, there are
only two differences where Baba actually differs from them:
a) Baba blessed His devotees both materially and spiritually whereas Lord
Ramana and Ramakrishna blessed their devotees for spiritual upliftment only.
b) Whereas the Samadhi of Lord Ramana and that of Lord Ramakrishna are not
active after their physical departure from this world, that of Baba is. Shri
Sai Nath Maharaj is even more active after His Samadhi than when He was
physically present.
These two differences indicate that Baba's mission in this world is
different than that of the other two. That is why He is continuing to help
His devotees in all ways.
Finally let me state that if a devotee places His confidence in Baba he is
sure to be protected whatever the circumstances may be. He need not fear for
body and soul.
Baba's orders are supreme. No force on earth or even in this universe or
beyond can challenge His grace and order. He has got virtual command of the
movements of this entire universe and no devotee must even doubt for a
moment that nothing is impossible for Him to do. So we must surrender
wholeheartedly to Him.
Sanjay M. Padia
Calcutta (West Bengal)
Source Shri Sai Leela June 1985.

Satsang Tallest statue of Shirdi Saibaba

Satsang Tallest statue of Shirdi Saibaba

Om Sai Ram
Click here to see the tallest staue of Baba
hPhotoID174Of recent origin, this shrine
built near the Mumbai–Pune road has been drawing devotees from far
and near to obtain darshan of Sai baba. The place of worship run by
Sri Bhagawati Sai Sansthan has several spectacular sights. As one
enters the shrine’s sanctum sanctorum, one can spot a large glorious
icon of Sri Sai Baba, which has a striking resemblance to the original
icon at Shirdi. It is a superlative handiwork of late Sri Harish Talim,
who happens to be the son of Vasant Talim, the sculptor of the Baba’s
original Shirdi-based murti.

Every day, begins as early as 3:15 am at the temple with a kakad aarti.
Every Thursday, a mahabishekam of the icon with 108 litres of milk,
followed by 2,000 litres of water takes place. Devotees throng the
place to watch the event. An enormous over 27 ft high murti of
Sri Sai Baba in a rare standing posture, put up in 1999, commands
attention. The statue is believed to be the tallest one in the world.
Colourful waterfalls, Samadhi Sthal and a fountain add to the holiness
and splendour of the shrine. Sadguru Sri Sai Narayan Baba founded the
Sansthan in February 1964 and is revered as a spiritual guide by the
devotees. He has authored several spiritual texts like Sri Gita Chalisa
and Sri Sai Mahima.

Satsang Devotion to Shri Sai Baba by Sanjay M. Padia

Satsang Devotion to Shri Sai Baba by Sanjay M. Padia
Devotion to Shri Sai Baba
We all know that to obtain the blessings of divine personalities such as
Rama, Krishna, Maruti, Shiva, Ganapathi, etc... it takes years of unfailing
devotion, before we are able to reach their expectations. Any break in our
devotion in the middle would create a setback which may again take several
years or more. Great saints such as Narasingh Mehta, Meerabai, Bhakta
Prahlad spent most of their lives immersed in devotion to Lord Krishna and
as a result achieved not only liberation but also sainthood. But the
intensity of devotion which they had cannot be compared to that of the
devotees of today. I would not say that today's devotees are insincere but
the difference in the time factor is obviously there.
We all belong to the 20th century when science and technology has advanced
so rapidly that the belief in the existence of God itself is being doubted.
The absence of belief in God is very much present amongst our youth, who are
more engrossed in their worldly pleasures than anything else.
In our country for instance, we see around us a lot of modern hotels, clubs
and bars where most of our young people are found to visit these days. This
has resulted in not only a deviation from the traditional Indian culture but
also a sharp decline in our moral standards. By imitating the negative side
of the Western culture, our youth's morale has stooped to a record low
level.
I am not against Western nations as such and very much appreciating their
economic development, science, technology, discipline and honesty but
instead of accepting these good points, we have chosen their bad ones. In
the midst of all this wholesale negative import, religion has no place
whatsoever.
I have met many friends and most of them often say that they doubt the
existence of God. I have no desire to elaborate to them on this issue since
they would refuse to believe even if I do so. But there are some who say
that they do believe in God and Personalities such as Rama, Krishna etc. but
they hardly have any time for devotion or thinking of God. And there are
also some who say that they do believe and even spend a little time on
prayer but find no relief from their miseries.
Let me first contradict the statement of those friends who say that they
don't have time for any devotion. Is this statement on their part justified?
Definitely not; Because time as a fact is never available at all. It is we
who have to create it. Just as we spend say 8 hours in sleep, 9 hours at
work, and the balance 7 hours for entertainment we are actually booking time
accordingly. Assuming that we must sleep for 8 hours and that we must work
at our office for 9 hours we leave a balance of 7 hours to be adjusted to
suit our entertainments. Out of those 7 hours do you think that these
friends cannot spare even 15 minutes on devotion and that is believable? I
don't but I cannot say about our readers. Let us say the available time is
only 4 hours at the most. But even in these four hours can they not spend 10
minutes at least? The actual underlying fact is our friends just put forward
a lame excuse. The real reasons are
a) They are not interested in any form of prayer, or devotion. They would
rather opt for interesting entertainments instead.
b) They are lazy.
(to be contd.....)
Sanjay M. Padia
Calcutta (West Bengal)
Source Shri Sai Leela June 1985.

Satsang Swami Vivekananda and Shri Saibaba (contd....)

Satsang Swami Vivekananda and Shri Saibaba (contd....)
Non-Injury (Ahimsa)
"Never producing pain by thought, word and deed, in any Living being is
what is called Ahimsa, non-injury. There is no virtue higher than
non-injury. There is no happiness higher than what a man obtains by the
attitude of non-offensiveness to all creatures" (Vol. 1-189).
Sai Baba also preached non-injury all His life, He insisted on real
non-injury by thought, word and deed. He asked his devotees not to use
bitter and piercing words against anybody even if that person used them. He
advised his devotees that if anybody approached them for something and if
they did not want to give it to him, they may refuse but should never bark
(shout) at him like a dog. He asked his devotees not to be jealous of
anybody and not to aspire other man's (even own brother's) wealth and least
of all to fight for it. For this He narrated very useful parables (viz. the
story of two goats and story of the snake and the frog chapters 46 and 47).
He also condemned slandering and criticizing others actions and wasting time
over it. As to animals like cats, dogs and birds, He always preached
compassion towards them and encouraged feeding such dumb creatures Advice to
Mrs. Tarkhad in chapter 9 and to Mrs. Laxmibai Shinde in chapter 42. So much
so that when questioned whether injurious and wicked creatures like serpents
and scorpions be also, let loose without killing, He replied, "God lives in
all beings and creatures whether they be serpents or scorpions. Unless He
wills it, nobody can do any harm to others. So we should take pity and love
even such creatures and avoid killing them. The Lord (God) is the Protector
of all", (chapter 22)
Religion
"The end and aim of all religions is to realise God (Vol. Vl-82). There are
differences in non-essentials but in essentials they are all one (Vol I,
318). That each tribe or nation should have its own particular God and think
that every other is wrong, is a superstition that should belong to the past.
All such ideas must be abandoned." (Vol. II. 67)
''No man, no nation, my son, can hate others and live. India's doom was
sealed the very day they invented the word 'Mlenchchha' and stopped
communion with others". (Vol. V. 52).
How true are these ideas in Sai Baba's case, who always preached equality
and brotherhood of all religions especially amongst Hindus and Muslims in
His days! Sai Baba never preached in favour of any particular religion but
preached the essentials of ALL religions such as truth, non-injury, love,
non-attachment to wealth, service to the poor and distressed and compassion
towards the lowest of human beings and animals. He discouraged His devotees
from changing their religions or for that matter their deity of worship or
Guru also.
Guru
“Through thousands of years of chiseling and modeling, the Jives of the
great prophets of yore came down to us; and yet, in my opinion not one
stands so high in brilliance as that life which I saw with my own eyes,
under whose shadow I have lived, at whose feet I have learnt every thing the
life of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, " (Vol. III. 312-13)
"Only the knower’s of Brahma are the spiritual teachers of mankind. This is
corroborated by all Scriptures and reason too. It is only the selfish
Brahmins who have introduced into this country the system of hereditary
Gurus, which is against the Vedas and against the Shastras". (Vol. VI,
464-65)
Sai Baba also had similar love and regard for His Guru from whom He claims
to have learnt everything in his younger days. As to leaving a disciple to
carry on His task, we already know that Sai Baba did not follow this useless
tradition and preferred to work Himself through His tomb after leaving the
mortal body.
God
"From highest Brahman to the yonder worm, and to the very minutest atom,
every where is the same God, the All-Love friend; Offer mind, soul body at
their feet. These are His manifold forms before thee, Rejecting them, where
searches! thou for God? Who loves all beings, without distinction, He indeed
is worshiping best his God”.
(Vol. IV 496)
Source Shri Sai Leela June 1985.

Satsang Swami Vivekananda and Shri Saibaba

Satsang Swami Vivekananda and Shri Saibaba
Swami Vivekananda and Shri Saibaba
"If you want to see God face to face serve man demisters and see God in his
smiling face".
A few years ago while on a visit to my son in the Army at Barrackpore (near
Calcutta), during my morning walks, I bumped into Ramakrishna Vivekanand
Mission on the banks of River Ganga. There in the Math premises I saw the
above lines displayed prominently on a board, I was very much impressed and
thrilled on reading those lines of Swami Vivekananda and remembered how our
Sadguru Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi also preached and practiced the same thing.
In his early days Shri Sai Baba acted as a physician to cure hundreds of
villagers with his strange medicines and infallible Udi. Sometimes He took
over their diseases on His own body (as in case of Bubonic Plague of Master
Khaparde Chapter 7, Sai Satcharita). Sometimes He cooked food for 50 or 100
persons, buying the rations Himself and served it to the poor and hungry. In
later years, when devotees started gathering around Him, He preached that
serving the distressed and needy was more important than keeping fasts (as
in case of Mrs. Gokhale Chapter 32, Sai Satcharita) and make them practise
it also. On one occasion Sai Baba did not permit His devotee Bala Patil
Newaskar to return to his village but asked him to nurse Dagdu Bhau although
a Muslim and suffering from a contagious disease like leprosy.
On returning home I started thinking and found so many similarities
between the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Sai Baba.
Food "Certain regulations as to food are necessary, we must use the food
which brings the purest mind, but the extravagant meaningless fanaticism,
which has driven religion entirely to the kitchen, as may be noticed in case
of many of our sects, without any hope of the noble truth of that religion
over coming out to the sunlight of spirituality, is a peculiar sort pure and
simple materialism" . (Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol. I. 136 & III.
66)
"The man who will mercilessly cheat widows and orphans and do the vilest
deeds for money is worse than any brute even if he lives entirely on grass
alone (Vol. Ill 67).
Shri Sai Baba also was never fussy whether His devotees were vegetarians or
non-vegetarians. He himself did not mind owing served with fish or meat. He
also cooked meat-pulao for distributing to the poor. But He never forced
Brahmins or strict vegetarians to eat it. However sometimes He joked with
them over their not eating meat and not eating onions on Ekadashi (11th)
Day- just to teach them to avoid extravagant and meaningless fanaticism and
to learn the value of strict obedience of Guru's orders at any cost.
(contd...)
Source Shri Sai Leela June 1985.